Birding: A Walk on the Wild Side with Nature’s decorative Winged Wonders
With much to observe, much to experience, and much to feel, Belize’s phenomenal birding scene is slowly spreading its wings. But before we dive into the best birding spots, let’s explore the fascinating history of birding and its growing appeal.
Birding and birdwatching are acts of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. It is both a hobby and a scientific pursuit, enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Historically, humans have observed birds since ancient times, with early naturalists collecting specimens for study. By the 18th and 19th centuries, conservationists began advocating for the protection of birds, particularly against hunting for fashion and trade.
Birding in Belize: A Haven for Avian Enthusiasts
Belize is a premier birding destination, thanks to its diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to coastal mangroves. The country is home to over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
The Belize Audubon Society (BAS), established in 1969, has played a significant role in conservation and birding promotion. They co-manage seven protected areas, including Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most renowned birding destinations in Belize.
Top Birding Locations in Belize
- Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary – Wetland habitat with various species of heron, kingfisher, storks, spoonbill, flycatcher, Kite and Hawk.
- Laguna Aguacate (Spanish Lookout) – Home to Vermillion Flycatchers, Fork-Tailed Flycatchers, Yellow-Rumped Wablers, White-Tailed Kites, Laughing Falcons and more.
- Blue Hole National Park – Forested area with diverse bird species.
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – Scarlet Macaws can be seen but there is also a high chance of seeing high elevations species since it is the base of the Victoria Peak, home of highland and rare bird species such as Crowned Woodnymph, Spotted woodcreeper and Common Chlorospingus.
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park – Home to Motmots and Toucans with high chances of seeing euphonias like the White-vented Euphonia and Elegant Euphonia.
- Lamanai Archaeological Reserve – Combines history and birding with Black-collared Hawks and Parrots.
- Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve – Spotting King Vultures is a possibility! It is also home to endemic species associated with pine such as Azure crowned Hummingbirds, Rufous-capped Warbler, Rusty Sparrow and Hepatic Tanger
- Half Moon Caye – Exclusive nesting site for the Red-footed Booby.
No matter where you go, birding in Belize offers an opportunity to connect with nature, live in the moment, and support conservation efforts.
Essential Birding Gear & TIPS
Birds check perfect birding locations check! And now, let’s dive into the gear; what gear do you need to enhance your birding experience? You’ll need Binoculars, field guides, apps for identification, a camera, a mobile phone, and adequate clothing and accessories for different weather conditions you might face.
When birding in Belize or any country you are not familiar with, it helps to have the guidance of local guides who know the area and can help you find your lifer, that one bird that is a must during your stay.
Birds Spotted in Belize and their location
Scarlet Macaw: The Scarlet Macaw (Aro Macao) is one of the most breathtaking birds found in Belize. Known for its vibrant red, yellow, and blue feathers, this iconic parrot is a favorite among birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. They are primarily found in Red Bank Village, Bladen Nature Reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Chiquibul National Park. The best time to see them is from December to March, as during this time, they migrate to lower elevations in search of food.
Lessons’s Motmot: The Lesson’s Motmot (Momotus Lessonii) is a strikingly beautiful bird known for its vibrant plumage and unique racket-shaped tail. It is found in Central America and, of course, Belize.
They can be found in the rainforest, second-growth forests, forest edges, and shady gardens. Lesson’s Motmots are omnivorous, feeding primarily on fruits, insects, small reptiles, and even birds. Their nesting and breeding habits include building nests in caves, or soft earth banks and laying 3-4 eggs.
King Vulture: The King Vulture (Sacoramphus papa) is the largest and most colorful of the four species of vultures in Belize. They are often seen perched atop tall trees, on cliff tops, or soaring high in the sky.
The Mountain Pine Ridge is one of the top locations where they can be seen. Interesting facts include that they can take up to 6 years to fully mature and that young king vultures are all black; as they age, they gain their white feathers.
Red-footed Booby: The Red Footed Booby is exclusively found in one place in Belize. This is at Half Moon Caye, a little island that is located within one of the country’s three atolls, Lighthouse Reef Atoll. They can be seen nesting in the Orange-flowered Ziricote trees.
Keel-Billed Toucan: The Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramohastos Sulfuratos) is the national Bird of Belize known for its striking, multicolored bill which features shades of green, orange, red and blue.
Great Potoo: The Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) is a fascinating nocturnal bird found in Central and South America including Belize. It is known for its incredible camouflage and eerie, haunting calls that sound like distant moans or groans.
Lovely Cotinga: The Cotinga (Cotinga amabilis) is a beautiful and rare bird found in Belize and parts of Central America. This bird is admired for its vibrant colors and elusive nature and since they prefer the high canopy, they can be tough to find. The male differs from the female birds. The males are of a brilliant turquoise blue plumage, with a deep purple throat patch and black wings and tail. While the females appear to be subdued brownish grey plumage clearly helping with camouflage.
Ethical Birdwatching and Conservation
Conservation is highly aligned with ethical birding, according to the American Birding Association this means to practice and promote respectable, enjoyable and thoughtful birding. It also means being mindful of the impact of your activities on the environment. Belize’s Tourism Industry has flourished alongside its conservation efforts.
The country boasts 30% of Marine Protected areas including Mangrove Forests and Coastal Management all homes to different species of wildlife including birds. Land conservation is also a high priority, noting that the country has 61% forest cover including 43% carbon rich primary forests. It is easy to see why Belize is home to exquisite birds such as the Scarlet Macaw.
The hotelier industry has also been recognized for integrating adventure tours that inspire the building of a conservation community. The Lodge at Chaa Creek located in the Belize’s Cayo District welcomed its guests in 1981 with a goal to educate and foster a love of nature.
Now in 2025 the award winning eco resort boasts 500 acres of nature reserve home of over 360 species of birds including Keel Billed Toucans seen and heard during their early morning Birding Tour and the special offsite Tour Package.
Advanced Birding
Birding requires patience and knowledge this process can be aided using technology that helps birders learn all about the calls of birds and songs. You will be able to identify birds when using apps such as Merlin Bird ID, eBird, Inaturalist, iBird Pro, BirdsEye and MiBird.
They are equipped with updated images, bird sounds and additional help facilitating bird identification through visual and audio cues, allowing birders to record their sightings and discover new birding locations based on other users’ observations.
These Apps also contribute to citizen science by logging their bird data to larger databases there for enhancing the birding experience and knowledge about bird populations.
Let’s Go Birding in Belize!
Combining jungle and the sea experiences is a popular choice for tourists visiting Belize, and why not do it for birding? This Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, plan to birding holiday shaded by jaded canopies.
Look skyward for bird resident and migratory avian species such as Warblers, Black Headed Trogons, Green Jays, Parrots, Hummingbirds, Owls, and Toucans.
Head to the coast or one of the private islands to spot Pelicans, the iconic Red-footed booby, and Bare-throated Tiger Heron, as well as Great Egrets, and plenty of Sea Gulls, all seen flying around.
Contact us at [email protected] to chat about planning the perfect Birding Vacation.